Communities in northwest Indiana provide cooling shelters during periods of extreme hear. High temperatures, combined with excessive humidity can increase the potential for heat related illnesses, especially for those working or participating in activities outdoors. Residents are reminded to drink plenty of fluids and water, stay in air-conditioned rooms if possible, stay out of the sun, and to check up on relatives and at-risk neighbors. Also, know the signs of heat stroke: symptoms include feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place, not sweating while still feeling too hot, fast or short breathing, confusion, seizures and loss of consciousness. If you believe you or someone near you is suffering from heat stroke, get them into a cool or shady area and call 9-1-1.
There are local cooling centers open for those looking for relief:
Burns Harbor:
(residents are asked to first call Burns Harbor Fire Department: 219-797-8591)
— Burns Harbor Fire Department, 308 Navaho Trail
Chesterton:
— Town Hall Meeting Room, 726 Broadway
East Chicago:
— Heritage Hall Community Center (at Veteran’s Park), 4506 Tod Avenue (10am-6pm)
— Unity Community Center, 3623 Guthrie Street (10am-6pm)
Gary:
— Ambridge Mann Pavilion, 2822 W. Fourth Avenue (11am – 6pm, when the temperature is 88 degrees or higher)
Hammond:
— Jean Shepherd Center, 3031 J.F. Mahoney Drive (8am-5pm)
— Lost Marsh Golf Course Clubhouse, 1001 129th Street (8am-5pm)
— Hammond Civic Center, 5825 Sohl Avenue (8am-5pm)
Highland:
— Lincoln Center, 2450 Lincoln Street (M-F 8a-8p, Sa 9-5, Su 11-5)
Merrillville:
— Dean & Barbara White Community Center, 6600 Broadway
— Merrillville Town Hall, 7820 Broadway
Ogden Dunes:
— Ogden Dunes Town Hall, 115 Hillcrest Road
Portage:
— Woodland Park, 2100 Willowcreek Road
Porter:
(residents are asked to first call Porter Police Department: 219-926-7611)
— Porter Fire Department, 550 West Beam St.
— Community Building (Hawthorne Park) 500 Ackerman Drive
Valparaiso:
— Valparaiso Family YMCA, 1201 Cumberland Crossing Drive
— Banta Senior Center, 605 Beech Street
— Porter County Public Library, 103 Jefferson Street
Whiting:
— Whiting YMCA, 1938 Clark Street
